Master your B1 German speaking

The speaking module has significant weight in your overall B1 assessment. It constitutes approximately 27 out of 32 points (83%) in the general evaluation. This makes it one of the most critical parts of the examination process.

A B1 certification is often required for:

• Immigration and residence permits

• University admission in German-speaking countries

• Employment opportunities

• Integration courses completion

Exam Structure

Different examination providers have slightly different formats, but they all test the same core communication skills. Let's break down the structure for each major provider:

TELC B1 & ÖSD B1: 3 Parts

Part 1: Making Contact / Small Talk (Kontakt aufnehmen)

• Duration: Approximately 3-4 minutes

• Format: Conversation with your examination partner

• Topics: Personal information, hobbies, profession, languages

Part 2: Discussion on a Topic (Über ein Thema sprechen)

• Duration: Approximately 5-6 minutes

• Format: Discussion about an everyday topic

• Goal: Share experiences and express opinions

Part 3: Planning Something Together (Gemeinsam etwas planen)

• Duration: Approximately 5-6 minutes

• Format: Role-play situation requiring cooperation

• Goal: Make suggestions, discuss options, and reach a decision

Goethe-Zertifikat B1: 2 Parts

Part 1: Planning Something Together (Gemeinsam etwas planen)

• Duration: Approximately 7-8 minutes

• Format: Collaborative task with your partner

• Goal: Discuss options and reach a joint decision

Part 2: Presentation (Etwas präsentieren)

• Duration: Approximately 7-8 minutes

• Format: Individual presentation on a selected topic followed by Q&A

• Goal: Deliver a structured mini-presentation and respond to questions

Common topics in the B1 Speaking module

The examiners typically select topics relevant to everyday life. Being prepared for these themes will significantly boost your confidence:

1. Living and Housing (Wohnen und Umziehen)

   • Describing your accommodation

   • Discussing housing preferences

   • Talking about neighborhood amenities

2. Travel and Vacations (Reisen und Urlaub)

   • Past travel experiences

   • Dream destinations

   • Planning trips

3. Media and Internet (Medien und Internet)

   • Digital communication

   • Social media usage

   • Online shopping

4. Health and Nutrition (Gesundheit und Ernährung)

   • Healthy lifestyle choices

   • Medical appointments

   • Dietary preferences

5. Education and Learning (Schule und Lernen)

   • Learning experiences

   • Educational systems

   • Future study plans

6. Environment and Sustainability (Umwelt und Nachhaltigkeit)

   • Recycling practices

   • Climate change concerns

   • Sustainable living

7. Work and Career (Arbeit und Beruf)

   • Professional experience

   • Job applications

   • Work-life balance

8. Leisure and Hobbies (Freizeit und Hobbys)

   • Sports and activities

   • Cultural interests

   • Social gatherings

9. Transportation and Mobility (Verkehr und Mobilität)

   • Public transportation

   • Driving vs. cycling

   • Travel preferences

10. Social Relationships and Celebrations (Soziale Kontakte und Feste)

    • Family traditions

    • Friendships

    • Cultural celebrations

Essential phrases for each exam part

Part 1: Making Contact (TELC B1 & ÖSD B1)

Introducing yourself:

• "Ich heiße... / Mein Name ist..."

• "Ich komme aus..."

• "Ich lebe in... / Ich wohne in..."

• "Ich arbeite als... / Ich bin Schüler(in)..."

Talking about interests:

• "In meiner Freizeit..."

• "Ich interessiere mich für..."

• "Ich spreche... und lerne Deutsch seit..."

Part 2: Discussing a Topic (TELC B1 & ÖSD B1)

Expressing opinions:

• "Ich finde das Thema interessant, weil..."

• "Bei uns ist das so:..."

• "In meinem Heimatland ist das anders."

• "Was denkst du darüber?"

Agreeing or disagreeing:

• "Ich stimme dir zu."

• "Ich sehe das ein bisschen anders."

• "Ein Vorteil ist..."

• "Ein Nachteil ist..."

Part 3: Planning Together (All Formats)

Making suggestions:

• "Wollen wir vielleicht...?"

• "Ich schlage vor, dass wir..."

• "Was hältst du von...?"

• "Vielleicht können wir..."

Responding to suggestions:

• "Ja, gute Idee."

• "Das passt für mich."

• "Hm, ich bin nicht sicher..."

• "Ich finde das nicht so gut, weil..."

Proposing alternatives:

• "Wir könnten stattdessen..."

• "Oder wie wäre es mit...?"

Reaching a decision:

• "Also, wir machen das so."

• "Dann treffen wir uns um..."

• "Wir sind uns einig."

• "Gut, das ist unser Plan."

Presentation (Goethe-Zertifikat B1)

Introduction:

• "Ich möchte heute über das Thema... sprechen."

• "Ich habe dieses Thema gewählt, weil..."

Main part:

• "Zuerst sage ich etwas über..."

• "Dann nenne ich meine Meinung."

• "Ich finde, dass..."

• "Ein Vorteil ist..."

• "Ein Nachteil ist..."

Conclusion:

• "Zum Schluss möchte ich sagen, dass..."

• "Vielen Dank für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit."

• "Haben Sie Fragen?"

10 proven tips for exam success

1. Practice regularly

   The more often you speak German, the easier the exam will be. Consider joining clubs or language exchange groups to practice with native speakers.

2. Watch sample exams

   Preview oral exams on YouTube by searching "B1 German Oral Exam" to familiarize yourself with the structure and question formats.

3. Focus on body language

   Maintain a confident posture, sit upright while remaining calm, and establish consistent eye contact with the examiner, as this holds considerable importance in oral exams.

4. Memorize key phrases

   Create a phrase bank for different exam situations. As Steve Jobs advised for presentations: "rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse" with the phrases you want to use.

5. Create word maps

   Word maps are an incredible tool to avoid long, uncomfortable pauses while speaking, as they make it easy to memorize related words at once.

6. Take mock tests

   Appear for several mock exams to become familiar with the B1 German examination format and timing. This builds confidence and helps identify weak points.

7. Record yourself speaking

   Practice answering common questions and record yourself. Listen back to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.

8. Don't memorize entire scripts

   Instead of memorizing complete answers, focus on flexible phrases and vocabulary that can be adapted to different questions.

9. Prepare for the unexpected

   Remember that communication is the goal, not perfection. If you don't understand something, don't hesitate to ask: "Entschuldigung. Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?"

10. Take care of yourself

    Get enough sleep, eat light before the exam, arrive an hour early, and bring water with you.

Common exam day mistakes to avoid

1. Speaking too quietly or too quickly

   • Maintain a moderate pace and volume that shows confidence

2. Giving one-word answers

   • Always elaborate with a full sentence or two

3. Focusing too much on grammar

   • Communication is more important than grammatical perfection

4. Not listening to your partner

   • Show active listening and respond appropriately

5. Freezing when you don't know a word

   • Develop strategies to paraphrase or explain when you don't know a specific term

Remember: You don't have to tell the truth!

An important tip that many test-takers forget: you never have to tell the truth in your exam. The examiners are evaluating your language skills, not the accuracy of your personal information. Feel free to invent details if it helps you demonstrate your German abilities more effectively.

Final thoughts

The B1 German oral exam may seem challenging, but with proper preparation and practice, you can approach test day with confidence. Remember that examiners are looking for clear communication, not perfection.

Whether you're taking the Goethe-Zertifikat, TELC, or ÖSD exam, the key to success lies in regular practice, familiarizing yourself with the format, and building a solid repertoire of useful phrases.

Viel Erfolg bei deiner Prüfung!